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Like many automotive enthusiasts, Alessandro Borroni has a passion for automobiles that extends past his appreciation for fast cars and iconic carmakers. He’s giving back to the community while the inviting like-minded to mingle among peers, drive iconic machines and raise money.
The result is the Hypercar Invitational. The fourth-year event will be held June 9-12 headquartered at WeatherTech Laguna Seca Raceway.
Borroni, the founder of the event, is our guest on this episode of The Weekly Driver Podcast.
Co-hosts Bruce Aldrich and James Raia discuss with Borroni, the genesis of the event, how it’s expanded and what’s planned for this summer’s event.
But just what is the Hyper Invitational?
The exclusive offers an opportunity to not only preview a selection of hypercars but drive them on a closed track.
“It’s really hard to start something news,” says Borroni during our 30-minute interview. “There’s a lot of explaining and convincing, especially with the car companies and that they should come and spend their money is a totally new concept. But little by little, we’re doing it. It’s been an incredibly fun process.”
Three years ago, the Hypercar Invitational partnered with Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area and made the foundation the chief beneficiary of proceeds raised before the event.
Money is raised by allowing the public to bid on charitable passenger laps in featured vehicles that will be at this year’s show in June.
Whoever wins the bid is also invited to Hypercar Invitational, which is closed to the general public. Last year, the event raised $70,000 and it hopes to substantially increase the amount this year.
Advocates of the Hypercar Invitational compare it to The Quail: A Motorsports Gathering. It’s a well-heeled event held during the annual Monterey Auto Week in August.
According to an event spokesperson, “The best way to visualize Hypercar Invitational is to imagine The Quail but move it to Laguna Seca and allow people to drive those cars on track (and a runway).”
“Unlike Quail, the Hypercar Invitational is closed to the public. Invited guests include executives from featured manufacturers, designers, engineers, drivers, and other industry VIPs.”
The organization’s mission is to become the premier dynamic launch platform for new sports cars, with a strong focus on charitable giving to Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area.
Details of the event’s itinerary, donation options and additional event details are posted on https://hypercarinvitational.com.
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The podcast is in its fourth year, and we’ve had a diverse collection of guests — famous athletes, vintage car collectors, manufacturer CEOs, automotive book authors, industry analysts, a movie stuntman and episodes from auto shows and car auctions.
Please send comments and suggestions for new episodes to James Raia via email: james@jamesraia.com.
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